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GSA Releases FY 2010 Federal Per Diem Rates

WASHINGTON – Per diem rates for federal travel in FY 2010 will increase slightly over FY 2009 rates, the U.S. General Services Administration announced today at the National Business Travel Association Conference in San Diego. The FY 2010 rates become effective October 1, 2009.

Per diem is the allowance for lodging (excluding taxes), meals and incidental expenses incurred by federal employees on official travel. The maximum rate for the continental United States is established by GSA.

GSA uses the average daily rate, a widely accepted lodging industry performance measure, to determine lodging rates for federal employees in each of the 402 areas where rates are higher than the standard continental U.S. rate of $70. Rates in some of these areas decreased slightly, but rates as a whole saw a marginal increase. The standard rate, which affects more than 2,600 counties within the continental United States, remains unchanged from the last two years.

“With these new rates, federal employees on official travel can perform their duties on behalf of the American taxpayer while being fairly reimbursed for their travel expenses,” said Michael J. Robertson, Associate Administrator for GSA’s Office of Governmentwide Policy.

Additionally, the meals and incidental rate (M&IE) tiers are increasing for FY 2010. The six tiers will range from $46 through $71 depending on location. Previous amounts ranged from $39 through $64. The last change in meal rates occurred in FY 2006. The incidental expense rate will increase from $3 to $5.

GSA is mandated by law to establish actual and necessary expense reimbursement and per diem allowances for federal employees traveling on official business away from their official duty stations.

For all FY 2010 per diem rates and information on how they are determined, visit www.gsa.gov/perdiem.

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